Designated Activities (特定活動)

The Designated Activities (特定活動) status is a flexible, catch-all residency category granted by Japan's Minister of Justice to nationals whose activities do not fit any standard category. It covers job-hunting graduates, pre-employment waiting periods, paid internships, and government-approved programs.

Stay periods range from 3 months to 5 years as individually designated. The government fee is ¥6,000 (in-person) or ¥5,500 (online) for a change of status or extension. Activities are strictly limited to the approved purpose; any change requires a new application. Spouses may work under restricted conditions.

This visa is ideal for international graduates job-hunting in Japan, interns, or those in transition whose situation does not fit a standard work or student category.